March 4, 2025...From Refugee Camp to Turning Pro: AFC Toronto Signs Midfielder Nyota Katembo (from AFC Toronto news release)

From Refugee Camp to Turning Pro: AFC Toronto Signs Midfielder Nyota Katembo
Midfielder eager to inspire next generation with Northern Super League opportunity

Toronto, ON (March 4, 2025 ) - AFC Toronto is thrilled to announce the signing of midfielder
Nyota Katembo (nii-O-ta ka-TEM-bo) from the University of Arizona. The 24-year-old continues her
extraordinary journey from a refugee camp to turning professional and cements her place in
Canadian women’s soccer history by playing in the inaugural Northern Super League season.


Image: Nyota Katembo poses during a media session with the University of Arizona. 
Credit: Image provided by player.

Born in Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania, Katembo moved to Montreal when she was two
after her family spent seven years seeking shelter due to ongoing war conflict in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. At age 10, she discovered her passion for soccer and began nurturing her
talent with leading programs in Quebec.

However, with limited opportunities for female soccer players in Canada, Katembo had to actively
advocate for herself to advance her career. Her successful perseverance led to her playing for
NCAA Division I colleges in the United States. Before joining AFC Toronto, the midfielder logged
over 700 minutes as a freshman at the University of Portland. She later furthered her development
at the University of Arizona from 2022 to 2024, registering 38 starts from 46 appearances
alongside three goals and one assist in three seasons.

During her youth career, Katembo represented AS Blainville and FC Laval in Ligue1 Quebec as
well as Team Quebec from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, Katembo honed her technical skills through
Canada Soccer’s National Development Centre and EXCEL programs.

Looking ahead to the inaugural season this spring, Katembo is eager to leverage her personal and
professional experiences to inspire the upcoming generation of soccer players across Canada.
“Canada has so much talent in women’s soccer and we previously didn’t have a platform to help us
showcase it. Growing up, I wish I had a local professional women’s team to look up to. After talking
with AFC Toronto, their vision aligns with my plans to develop my career and it’s super exciting to
be a part of this project,” said Katembo on joining the club.

“Signing my contract was an extremely emotional moment given my journey. The chances of a kid
from the Congo born in a refugee camp turning professional is incredibly slim,” Katembo added.
“Reflecting on this achievement and how far my family and I have come is incredible. Canada is
my home and I want to empower the next generation and show little girls that this is what can
happen if you keep pursuing your dreams.”
“Nyota’s story is extremely inspiring, and AFC Toronto is proud to support her as she embarks on
this new chapter at the professional level,” said Billy Wilson, AFC Toronto Sporting Director. “She
is a player we identified very early on as someone who fits our style of play; a wide player with
pace who can hold her width or attack inside. We are excited to welcome her to Toronto.”

Fans will have the first opportunity to see Katembo and the entire AFC Toronto squad in action
during the club’s inaugural match at BMO Field on April 19.

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Additional Photos left to right: 
Photo B: Nyota Katembo runs as she watches the play during a game for the University of 
Arizona. Credit: Image provided by player. 
Photo C: Nyota Katembo pictured during a match while representing the University of Arizona. 
Credit: Image provided by player.


About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian professional women’s soccer league, the
Northern Super League. The club is gearing up to deliver a top-tier experience for players, staff,
and supporters in spring 2025. AFC Toronto is committed to uniting the community and inspiring
young women and girls to lead, develop, and excel. The club’s purpose is to not just build a
football club but to also create a platform for girls and women to achieve greatness on their terms.

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